Thoughts on the Gospel of John (200) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.
John 19:38–39

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (200)
Jesus has died. The soldiers have witnessed that. Just to be sure, one of them pierces Jesus’ side with a spear. Blood and water flow out, procuring cleansing and forgiveness for believers.

While Jesus’ body is still hanging on the cross, two men appear, both of whom no one expected: Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Joseph has not yet been mentioned in this Gospel, but Nicodemus is mentioned in chapters 3 and 7. But obviously both men are not known as disciples of Jesus until now.

If we summarise what the four gospels report about Joseph, the following picture emerges: He is rich, an honourable councillor and a good and just man. He is a disciple of Jesus and was not in agreement with the plan of the high council of the Jews to kill Jesus. But he didn’t identify himself as a disciple of Jesus – perhaps out of fear that he would be expelled from the synagogue (cf. ch. 12:42 43).

But at the moment when the Son of God has died, Joseph takes courage. He publicly takes the side of the crucified One – despite wealth and high position which are often an obstacle. Nicodemus behaves similarly, heeding the word Jesus gave him during his visit by night: “You must be born again” (chap. 3:7). Here he comes with a valuable mixture of ointments and shows how much he values and respects the Lord Jesus.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today’s reading: Job 19:1-20 · Acts 11:19-30